OS-HELP Funding

OS-HELP is a loan available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) who want to undertake some of their course overseas. OS-HELP can be used for a range of expenses including airfares, accommodation and other travel or study expenses.

Types of overseas study for which you may receive OS-HELP include, but are not limited to:

  • semester- or year-long study undertaken at an overseas university
  • short courses undertaken at an overseas university
  • clinical placements
  • professional placements or internships, and study tours
  • research or fieldwork

OS-HELP is available to eligible students based in Australia enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), and is paid into your nominated bank account.

OS-HELP loans are deferred to the ATO and added to your HELP debt. You can apply for two OS-HELP loans over your lifetime, but they can't be within the same six-month period.

OS-HELP Study Assist website

In 2024, the maximum you can borrow for a six-month study period is:

  • $7,921 (if you do not study in Asia); or
  • $9,504 if you study in Asia; PLUS an extra $1,263 if you do Asian language study in preparation for study in Asia.

'Asia' includes these countries: 
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Timor-Leste, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

To get an OS-HELP loan, you must:

  • be an Australian citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the residency requirements.
  • have approval from the Charles Sturt Global Office for your overseas program.
  • be enrolled with Charles Sturt University in a Commonwealth supported place;
  • have completed at least one year of full-time study (64 credit points) in Australia in a Commonwealth supported place which counts towards your current course of study. N.B. If you have received credit for studies undertaken previously then this may affect your eligibility.
  • be studying full-time overseas* and have approval from your School for the overseas program to count towards your course requirements.
  • have at least one subject left to complete once you have finished your overseas study.
  • have not received an OS‑HELP loan on more than one other occasion and will not receive a second OS-HELP loan for the same six-month period.
  • not receive an OS-HELP loan from another higher education institution for an overlapping period.
  • not apply after the completion of your overseas program.
  • have a valid tax file number (TFN) at the time of applying.
  • have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) registered in the Student portal at the time of applying.
  • have read the OS-HELP Statement of terms and conditions;

* In general, the following are regarded as meeting the full-time study load requirement for OS-HELP:

  • 48 credit points over two semesters (24 weeks) of overseas study
  • 24 credit points over a semester (12 weeks) of overseas study
  • 12 credit points taken over no more than 6 weeks of overseas study
  • 8 credit points taken over no more than 4 weeks of overseas study
  • 4 credit points taken over no more than 2 weeks of overseas study

To be eligible for the supplementary Asian language study loan amount (in relation to a six-month period) you must:

  • have been selected for OS-HELP for overseas study in Asia for that six-month period.
  • be undertaking language study in preparation for undertaking overseas study.
  • have appropriately indicated on your OS-HELP eCAF that you would like to receive the supplementary amount.
  • have been selected by Charles Sturt University to receive the supplementary amount.
  • have not yet completed the Asian language study before applying for the supplementary amount.
  • ensure the Asian language study is not taken as part of a course of study leading to a higher education award for which you are in a CSP or receiving FEE-HELP.

Submit a Request for OS-HELP.

You will be required to upload the following supporting documentation:

  • Confirmation from the Charles Sturt Global team that you have approval to participate in your learning abroad program
  • A letter of support from your Course Director (for independent and partner short-term programs) or the Charles Sturt Global Office (Exchange and faculty programs) outlining the program and academic credit details.
  • Evidence of enrolment into the required subject/s may also be required.

Next Steps: Once the University has received your application and confirmed your eligibility, you will receive an OS-HELP eCAF to complete and submit.

Payment of OS-HELP loans can be made up to 6 months prior to your program start date, and loans must be paid prior to the completion of your overseas program.

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